Foldable garment hanger with locking features

ABSTRACT

A foldable garment hanger is provided. The hanger has a first arm section and a second arm section pivotable with each other through a hinge, to allow the hanger to switch between a folded or transportation configuration and an unfolded or display configuration. A locking member is associated with the hanger arm sections and configured to lock the hanger in the unfolded configuration. The locking member can have a moveable member, which is moveable between a first operative position and a second operative position. The locking member can have a snap lock and a socket provided with the first arm section and the second arm section, respectively.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to the field of garment hangers as are widely used for the purpose of packaging, shipping and displaying garments, and more particularly to a foldable garment hanger which can be folded for packaging and transporting garments and can also be unfolded and locked in an unfolded configuration for presenting the garments.

In the area of retail garment sales, so-called Garment-On-Hanger (GOH) programs have become preferred by retailers. In a GOH program, garments are delivered to retail merchants already suspended from hangers, where upon arrival at the retail location the garments are immediately placed on display for sale.

In particular, retailers have specified particular hangers or hanger characteristics among suppliers in order to achieve uniformity on their sales floors. To this end, standards as to hanger size, shape, performance characteristics, etc., are maintained, for example, by organizations such as the Voluntary Inter-industry Commerce Standards Association (VICS). Intimate apparel hangers, pinch grip hangers, top garment hangers and so on are among the standardized hangers under the VICS standards.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention, a foldable garment hanger is provided. The foldable garment hanger includes a hook; a hanger body connected to the hook, the hanger body including a first arm section and a second arm section; a means for holding a garment on the hanger; a hinge connecting the first arm section and the second arm section, the first arm section and the second arm section being pivotable with respect to each other through the hinge between a folded configuration of the hanger and an unfolded configuration of the hanger; and a locking member associated with the hanger body and configured to lock the hanger in the unfolded configuration.

For example, the locking member can include a moveable member capable of moving between a first operative position and a second operative position. At the first operative position, the moveable member permits pivotal movement between the first arm section and the second arm section through the hinge; and at the second operative position, the moveable member is capable of engaging both the first arm section and the second arm section to lock the first arm section with the second arm section in the unfolded configuration of the hanger.

For example, the hanger further includes a discontinuity between the first arm section and the second arm section, the discontinuity being laterally opposite the hinge.

For example, the first arm section defines a first channel and the second arm section defines a second channel, and the moveable member is capable of moving within the first channel and the second channel between the first operative position and the second operative position.

For example, the moveable member includes an elongated body and an expanded terminus at a longitudinal end of the elongated body; the moveable member further includes a free end opposite to the longitudinal end.

For example, when the moveable member moves to the first operative position, the free end of the moveable member is disposed within the discontinuity of the hanger, thereby permitting pivotal movement between the first arm section and the second arm section.

For example, when the moveable member moves to the second operative position, the free end of the locking member enters the first channel or the second channel, thereby locking the first arm section and the second arm section in the unfolded configuration of the hanger.

For example, the hanger further includes a stopper configured to engage the expanded terminus, when the moveable member moves to the first operative position.

For example, the hanger further includes a material band disposed in at least one of the first channel and the second channel, the material band being configured to engage the expanded terminus when the moveable member moves to the second operative position.

For example, the expanded terminus includes a substantially flat mating surface and the material band includes a substantially flat complementary mating surface, the mating surface and complementary surface engaging reach other when the moveable member moves to the second operative position.

For example, the hanger further includes a void provided in the hanger body, which void is laterally opposite the material band.

For example, the expanded terminus includes a first pushing surface and the free end includes a second pushing surface.

For example, the first pushing surface is curved or sloped, and the foldable garment hanger further includes an indicator formed on the first pushing surface.

For example, the hanger further includes a plurality of enhancing ribs associated with the hanger body, the plurality of enhancing ribs being configured to engage the moveable member when the hanger is twisted.

For example, the locking member includes a snap lock associated with one of the first arm section and the second arm section and a socket associated with the other of the first arm section and the second arm section. When the first arm section and the second arm section are pivoted to the unfolded configuration, the snap lock and the socket engage each other to lock the first arm section and the second arm section in the unfolded configuration.

For example, the snap lock includes a locking surface and the socket includes a retaining surface, the locking surface and the retaining surface operatively engaging each other in an anti-separation manner to lock the first arm section and the second arm section in the unfolded configuration.

For example, a first means for holding the garment includes a first clip connected to a longitudinal terminal end of the first arm section and a second means for holding the garment includes a second clip connected to a longitudinal terminal end of the second arm section.

For example, the hinge is offset with respect to the center of the length of the hanger body, such that, when the first arm section and the second arm section are pivoted to the folded configuration, the first clip and the second clip do not directly engage each other.

For example, the first arm section includes a recess configured to at least partially receive the second clip, such that the second arm section is nestable in the first arm section when the hanger is in the folded configuration.

For example, the second arm section includes a recess configured to at least partially receive the first clip, such that the first arm section is nestable in the second arm section when the hanger is in the folded configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and benefits of the present invention will be made apparent with reference to the following specification and accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like features across the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable garment hanger according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the foldable hanger shown in FIG. 1, when the foldable garment hanger is in a folded or transportation configuration;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the foldable garment hanger shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the foldable garment hanger along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a section view of the foldable garment hanger along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a foldable garment hanger according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the foldable hanger shown in FIG. 7, when the foldable garment hanger is in a folded or transportation configuration;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the foldable hanger shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the foldable hanger along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a foldable garment hanger according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an opposite perspective view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top view showing the foldable garment hanger in a folded or transportation configuration;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view showing the foldable garment hanger when a moveable locking member of the hanger is at a first operative position to permit folding operation of the hanger;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view along lines 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an alternative sectional view along lines 16-16 of FIG. 15, showing the hanger when it is at a partial folded position;

FIG. 18 is an opposite elevation view of FIG. 15, showing a portion of the hanger and the moveable locking member at the first operative position;

FIG. 19 is an elevation view showing the foldable garment hanger when the moveable locking member of the hanger is at a second operative position to lock the hanger in its unfolded or display configuration;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view along lines 20-20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an opposite elevation view of FIG. 19, showing a portion of the hanger and the moveable locking member at the second operative position; and

FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional view of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a foldable garment hanger 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The foldable garment hanger 100 includes a hook 110 and an elongated hanger body or beam 120 connected to or integral with the hook 110. The hook 110 is substantially upstanding from the hanger body 120. The hook 110 can be made of metal wire or molded with plastic material. The hanger body 120 includes a first arm section 130 and a second arm section 140, which extend longitudinally away from the hook 110, opposite from each other. The arm sections 130 and 140 can be substantially horizontally aligned with each other or extend downwardly, respectively, for supporting one or more garments, as well known in the industry.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hanger body 120 has C-shaped cross-section, which is capable of providing structural strength for the hanger. Other cross-sectional beam geometries, including ‘I’, ‘square-M’, and the like, among others known in the art, may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Each arm section 130 or 140 includes a top flange 122, a bottom flange 124 and a middle panel 126 connecting the top flange and the bottom flange.

The hanger 100 further includes a hinge 150 made of a plastic material or a metal material, through which the first arm section 130 and the second arm section 140 are pivotable with one another between a folded or transportation configuration of the hanger (as shown in FIG. 3) and an unfolded or display configuration of the hanger (as show in FIGS. 1 and 2). When the first arm section and second arm section are in the folded or transportation configuration, the hanger 100 can be folded together with garments, such as jeans, for conveniently packaging and shipping the garments. It has been contemplated by Applicants that, when the hanger 100 is in the folded or transportation configuration, i.e., garments (such as jeans or pants) can be folded with the hanger for conveniently packaging and shipping the garments. This folded configuration increases efficiency and economy of packaging and transporting garments, and provides more latitude for arranging the garments without incurring undesirable wrinkles on the garments. It has also been contemplated by Applicants that, when the hanger 100 is in the unfolded or display configuration, garments can be fully presented or displayed. Furthermore, the retailers do not need to incur additional operations to sort, manipulate and secure the garments, which renders the Garment-On-Hanger program more attractive.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first arm section 130 includes a first means for holding a garment, which means can be any suitable structure or material for holding a wide variety of garments, including but not limited, top garments, bottom garments (including jeans and pants), intimate apparel, knitwear and the like. In the shown embodiment, the first means for holding the garment includes at least one first clip 131. The first clip 131 is disposed at a longitudinal terminal end 133 of the first arm section, which end extends longitudinally away from the hook 110. The second arm section 140 includes a second means for holding the garment, which is the same as or similar to the first means for holding the garment. In the shown embodiment, the second means for holding the garment includes at least one second clip 142. The second clip 142 is disposed at a longitudinal terminal end 143 of the second arm, which end extends longitudinally away from the hook 110. For example, both clips can be spring biased to open and secure a portion of a garment, such as, for example, a pinch grip clip. The hinge 150 is disposed offset with respect to the center of the length L of the hanger body 120. Thus, when the first arm section 130 and the second arm section 140 are pivoted to the folded or transportation configuration, the first clip 131 and the second clip 142 do not interfere with each other, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the first clip 131 and the second clip 142 are not laterally aligned with each other at the folded or transportation configuration. Thus, accidental and inadvertent opening of the clips due to the engagement between the clips can be effectively prevented when the hanger 100 is folded with garments. Alternatively, one of the arm sections, for example the second arm section 140, can include a recess 144, which recess at least partially receive the first clip 131 to allow the first arm section 130 to at least partially nest within the second arm section 140, thereby achieving a more compact package of the hangers and garments.

A skilled person in the art understands that the above disclosure can be applied to the first arm section or the second arm section equally and interchangeably, and therefore, is not limited to one arm section.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6A, in this embodiment, the hinge 150 can be integrally formed with the second arm section 140, for example, through molding. The first arm section 130 includes a bracket 132, which is pivotably connected to the hinge 150 for allowing the first arm section 130 to pivot with respect to the second arm section 140 between the folded or transportation configuration and the unfolded or display configuration. FIGS. 6 and 6A depict the details of the bracket 132 and the hinge 150.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the first arm section 130 includes an external catch or a snap lock 134, which is, for example, integral with the middle panel 126 of the arm section. The snap lock 134 includes a locking surface 136 and a sloping surface 138 extending at an angle with respect to the locking surface 136. The second arm section 140 includes a socket 145. When the first arm section 130 and second arm section 140 are pivoted to the unfolded or display configuration, the snap lock 134 and the socket 145 engage each other to lock the first arm section 130 and the second arm section 140 in the unfolded or display configuration for a full display of garments hung by the hanger 100. The socket 145 includes a retaining surface 146 for operatively engaging the locking surface 136 of the snap lock 134. The socket 145 further includes a space 147 configured to at least partially retain and hold the snap lock 134, when the first arm section 130 and the second arm section 140 are pivoted to the unfolded or display configuration. The snap lock 134 and the socket 145 engage each other in an anti-separation manner to effectively lock the first arm 130 and the second arm 140 in the unfolded configuration. In the shown embodiment, the locking surface 136 and the retaining surface 146 are substantially planar and extending vertically from the top flange 122 to the bottom flange 124 of the first arm section 130. However, the locking surface 136 and the retaining surface 146 can be shaped and dimensioned to provide a variety of mating configurations, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the first arm section 130 further includes a void of material 139, which saves the raw material for molding the first arm section 130 and improves the resilience of the first arm section 130 when pivoting, without compromising the strength of the arm.

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate a foldable garment hanger 200 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hanger 200 includes a hook 210 which can be made of metal wire or molded with plastic material. The foldable garment hanger 200 includes a first arm section 230 and a second arm section 240, which are pivotable with respect to each other through a hinge 250. The first arm section 230 and the second arm section 240 can be pivoted between a folded or transportation configuration as shown in FIG. 9 and an unfolded or display configuration as shown in FIGS. 7-8. When the hanger is in the folded or transportation configuration, the hanger 200 can be folded with garments hung by the hanger for conveniently packaging and shipping the garments. At least one of the first arm section 230 and the second arm section 240 can include a recess to at least partially receive a portion of the opposite arm, thereby implementing a nestable garment hanger. When the hanger is in the unfolded or display configuration, the hanger 200 can be unfolded and locked to provide a satisfactory display of the garments, without requiring further operation of the hanger to open clips of the hanger.

It has been contemplated by Applicants that, when the hanger 200 is in the folded or transportation configuration, i.e., garments (such as jeans or pants) can be folded with the hanger for conveniently packaging and shipping the garments. This folded configuration increases efficiency and economy of packaging and transporting garments, and provides more latitude for arranging the garments without incurring undesirable wrinkles on the garments. It has also been contemplated by Applicants that, when the hanger 200 is in the unfolded or display configuration, garments can be fully presented or displayed. Furthermore, the retailers do not need to incur additional operations to sort, manipulate and secure the garments, which renders the Garment-On-Hanger program more attractive

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first arm section 230 includes a first means for holding a garment, which means can be any suitable structure or material for holding a wide variety of garments, including but not limited, top garments, bottom garments (including jeans and pants), intimate apparel, knitwear and the like. In the shown embodiment, the first means for holding the garment includes at least one first clip 237. The first clip 237 is disposed at a longitudinal terminal end 239 of the first arm section, which end extends longitudinally away from the hook 210. The second arm section 240 includes a second means for holding the garment, which is the same as or similar to the first means for holding the garment. In the shown embodiment, the second means for holding the garment includes at least one second clip 247. The second clip 247 is disposed at a longitudinal terminal end 249 of the second arm, which end extends longitudinally away from the hook 210. For example, both clips can be spring biased to open and secure a portion of a garment, such as, for example, a pinch grip clip.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the hanger 200 along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the hinge 250 can be formed of a plastic material or a metal material. For example, the hinge 250 can be a metal pin inserted into both the first arm section 230 and the second arm section 240. The first arm section 230 includes a first bracket 231 (shown in FIG. 7), into which the metal pin 250 is inserted. The second arm section 240 includes a pair of second brackets 241 disposed at the top end and the bottom end of the first bracket 231, respectively. The metal pin 250 is inserted into both the first bracket 231 and the second bracket 241 to allow the first arm section 230 and the second arm section 240 to pivot with respect to each other. The first arm section 230 includes a snap lock 232 and the second arm section 240 includes a socket 242. The snap lock 232 and the socket 242 engage each other to lock the first arm section 230 and the second arm section 240 in the unfolded position. The snap lock 232 includes a locking surface 234 and a sloping surface 236 extending at an angle with respect to the locking surface 134. The socket 232 includes a retaining surface 244, which engages the locking surface 234 in an anti-separation manner when the first arm section 230 and the second arm section 240 are in the unfolded configuration. The socket 232 further includes a space 246 configured to at least partially retain and hold the snap lock 232.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a foldable garment hanger 1000 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The foldable garment hanger 1000 includes a hook 1100 and a hanger body or beam 1200 connected or attached to the hook 1100. The hook 1100 is substantially upstanding from the hanger body 1200. The hook 1100 can be made of metal wire or molded with plastic material. In the shown embodiment, the hook 1100 is integrally molded with the hanger body 1200.

The hanger body 1200 can have a substantially C-shaped cross-section, as shown in FIG. 13, which in this embodiment is capable of providing required structural strength for the hanger and its garments. However, a skilled person in the art understands that any other suitable cross-sectional beam geometries, including ‘I’, ‘square-M’, and the like, among others, can be used depending the particular requirements of the hanger, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The hanger body 1200 includes a first arm section 1300 and a second arm section 1400, connected to and pivotable with each other through a hinge 1500. The hinge 1500 can be a one piece material, such as a living hinge, or constructed from a plurality of components, such as a hinge having pin(s) and bracket(s). By means of the hinge 1500, the first arm section 1300 and the second arm section 1400 are capable of pivoting with respect to one another, between a folded or transportation configuration of the hanger as exemplarily shown in FIG. 14 and an unfolded or display configuration of the hanger as exemplarily shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The hanger body 1200 has a discontinuity 1510 defined between the first arm section 1300 and the second arm section 1400, which discontinuity 1510 is laterally opposite the hinge 1500 and provides space necessary to allow pivot of the arm sections without interfering with each other.

It has been contemplated by Applicants that, when the hanger 1000 is in the folded or transportation configuration, i.e., garments (such as jeans or pants) can be folded with the hanger for conveniently packaging and shipping the garments. This folded configuration increases efficiency and economy of packaging and transporting garments, and provides more latitude for arranging the garments without incurring undesirable wrinkles on the garments. It has also been contemplated by Applicants that, when the hanger 1000 is in the unfolded or display configuration, garments can be fully presented or displayed. Furthermore, the retailers do not need to incur additional operations to sort, manipulate and secure the garments, which renders the Garment-On-Hanger program more attractive.

The first arm section 1300 and the second arm section 1400 extend oppositely from the hinge 1500. The first and second arm sections can be substantially aligned with each other to form a substantially flat beam; alternatively, the arm sections can each extend downwardly to form an angled beam. The first arm section 1300 includes a first top flange 1320, a first bottom flange 1340 and a first middle panel 1360 connecting the first top flange 1320 and the first bottom flange 1340. The first top flange 1320, the first bottom flange 1340 and the first middle panel 1360 together define a substantially C-shaped first channel 1370. The second arm section 1400 includes a second top flange 1420, a second bottom flange 1440 and a second middle panel 1460 connecting the second top flange 1420 and the second bottom flange 1440. The second top flange 1420, the second bottom flange 1440 and the second middle panel 1460 together define a substantially C-shaped second channel 1470.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first arm section 1300 includes a first means for holding a garment, which means can be any suitable structure or material for holding a wide variety of garments, including but not limited, top garments, bottom garments (including jeans and pants), intimate apparel, knitwear and the like. In the shown embodiment, the first means for holding the garment includes at least one first clip 1120. The first clip 1220 is disposed at a longitudinal terminal end 1301 of the first arm section, which end extends longitudinally away from the hook 1100. The second arm section 1400 includes a second means for holding the garment, which is the same as or similar to the first means for holding the garment. In the shown embodiment, the second means for holding the garment includes at least one second clip 1140. The second clip 1140 is disposed at a longitudinal terminal end 1401 of the second arm, which end extends longitudinally away from the hook 1100. For example, both clips can be spring biased to open and secure a portion of a garment, such as, for example, a pinch grip clip.

The hanger 1000 further includes a locking member 1600 associated with the hanger body 1200. In the shown embodiment, the locking member 1600 is substantially elongated and is properly dimensioned to allow sliding or translating movements of the locking member within the first channel 1370 and the second channel 1470.

When the moveable locking member 1600 is at a first operative position, the locking member permits pivotal movement between the first arm section 1300 and the second arm section 1400 through the hinge 1500, thereby permitting the hanger 1000 to be folded, which is further explained with reference to FIGS. 15-18. When the moveable locking member 1600 is at a second operative position, the locking member 1600 is capable of engaging both the first arm section 1300 and the second arm section 1400, thereby locking the hanger 1000 in its unfolded or display configuration, which is further explained with reference to FIGS. 19-21.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate the locking member 1600 at the first operative position, where the hanger 1000 can be folded for packaging and transporting folded garments.

As shown in FIG. 16, the locking member 1600 includes an elongated body 1620 and an expanded terminus 1630 at a longitudinal end of the elongated body 1620. The other free longitudinal end 1640 of the elongated body 1620 is disposed within the discontinuity 1510 of the hanger 1000, without interfering with or engaging the first arm section 1300, particularly the first middle panel 1360. Accordingly, the first arm section 1300 and the second arm section 1400 can pivot with respect to each other to present a partial folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 17.

A stopper 1900 is formed on the inner surface of the second middle panel 1460 of the second arm section 1400. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the stopper 1900 engages the expanded terminus 1630 of the locking member 1600 to prevent excess movement of the locking member 1600 within the second channel 1370 of the second arm section 1400. In this regard, the position of the stopper 1900 is properly determined to serve the above function, depending on the length and size of the locking member 1600.

Although in the shown embodiment, the description of the first operative position of the locking member has been made with reference to the locking member being in the channel of the second arm section, a skilled person in the art understands that the first arm section and the second arm section are structurally and functionally interchangeable with respect to the operative positions of the locking member.

When the hanger 1000 is in use, the locking member 1600 is initially assembled into the hanger body 1200 at the first operative position, as shown in FIGS. 15-18. Accordingly, the hanger 1000 and its garment(s) can be fully folded, as shown in FIG. 14, during the process of packaging and transportation. When the hanger 1000 and the garments arrive at a retail store, a store worker will unfold the hanger 1000 to its display configuration, and subsequently lock the hanger 1000 in the display configuration by moving or sliding the moveable locking member 1600 to a second operative position.

FIGS. 19-22 illustrate the hanger 1000 in its unfolded or display configuration, where the moveable locking member 1600 is moved or slid to the second operative position to lock the hanger 1000 in the unfolded or display configuration.

During operation, the expanded terminus 1630 of the locking member 1600 is pushed by the operator to move or slide along the direction indicated by M, from the first operative position shown in FIG. 16 to the second operative position shown in FIG. 20. At the second operative position, the free end 1640 of the locking member 1600 at least partially enters the first channel 1370 defined by the first arm section 1300, and at least partially engages the first middle panel 1360. The engagement between the free end 1640 of the locking member 1600 and the first middle panel 1360 of the first arm section 1300 prevents the relative movement of the two arm sections. Accordingly, the hanger 1000 is locked in the unfolded or display configuration, as shown in FIGS. 19-21.

When the free end 1640 of the locking member 1600 fully enters the first channel 1370 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the expanded terminus 1630 engages a material band 1800 provided within the second channel 1470. The material band 1800 is distanced laterally from the second middle panel 1460 of the second arm 1400 to provide a space, within which space the elongated body 1620 can be moved or slid. A void 1820, in a shape or profile substantially complementary to that of the material band 1800, can be provided laterally opposite the material band 1800. The provision of the void 1820 can save raw material, without compromising the strength of the second arm section 1400; furthermore, the provision of the void 1820 opposite the material band 1800 allows design expediency of the molds for molding plastic hangers. Alternatively or additionally, the first arm section 1300 can include an additional material band 1700 and an additional void 1720, which are same or similar in structure with the material band 1800 and the void 1820.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the expanded terminus 1630 and the material band 1800. The expanded terminus 1630 includes a first pushing surface 1650, which allows the operator to push the locking member 1600 along the M direction shown in FIG. 20. The first pushing surface 1650 can be curved or sloped to facilitate the pushing operation. The expanded terminus 1630 further includes a mating surface 1660, which is configured to engage a complementary mating surface 1810 of the material band 1800. In the shown embodiment, the mating surfaces 1660 and 1810 are substantially planar; however, they can be shaped and dimensioned to provide a variety of mating configurations, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The locking member 1600 further includes a second pushing surface 1680 at the free end 1640, which allows the operator to push the locking member 1600 along an opposite direction of the direction M, thereby initiating the unlocking operation. When necessary, the mating surface 1660 of the expanded terminus 1630 can also be manipulated to facilitate the unlocking operation.

As shown in FIG. 21, the first pushing surface 1650 has an indicator 1690, which can be engraved, printed, painted or attached to the first pushing surface 1650. For example, the indicator 1690 can be an arrow, showing the moving direction of the locking member 1600 when the hanger 1000 needs to be locked in the unfolded configuration.

In addition, a plurality of enhancing ribs 2100 are provided on the top and bottom flanges of the first arm section and the second arm section, respectively. The enhancing ribs 2100 extend from the flanges towards the locking member 1600, and maintain a relatively small gap between the flanges and the ribs. During operation, when the hanger 1000 is twisted, the enhancing ribs 2100 become engaged with the locking member 1600 and thus, counteract the twisting of the hanger body 1200. As a result, damage of the hanger caused by the twisting can be prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 18, 21 and 22, the locking member 1600 can further include a resilient tab 1670 surrounded by a slot 1672. During the movement of the locking member 1600 in the M direction from the first operative position to the second operative position, the resilient tab 1670 is first biased by the material band 1800 to allow the resilient tab 1670 to pass clear the material band 1800 and subsequently, the resilient tab 1670 returns to its original configuration. The distance between the mating surface 1660 of the expanded terminus 1630 and a mating surface 1674 (shown in FIG. 22) of the resilient tab 1670 is properly dimensioned to allow the material band 1800 to be disposed between the expanded terminus 1630 and the resilient tab 1670. For example, when the locking member 1600 is moved to the second operative position to lock the hanger in the unfolded or display configuration, the mating surface 1674 of the resilient tab 1670 engages a complementary mating surface 1830 of the material band 1800, as shown in FIG. 22.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, 12 and 13, the hook can include a lower neck region, to which a lower neck sizer is mountable to illustrate garment-related information. However, a skilled person in the art understands that any known sizing features can be used, which include but are not limited to top sizers, side sizers, and lower neck sizers.

For packaging and shipping certain garments, such as jeans, it is advantageous to fold and box the garments with hangers, such that when retailers receive the garments, they can simply unfold the hangers and display the garments, without incurring additional operation of the hangers, such as opening the clips of the hangers to secure the garments. The foldable garment hanger according to the present invention permits garments foldable with the hangers for conveniently packaging and shipping the garments, while permitting the hangers lockable in an unfolded position for full display of the garments.

The plastic hanger of the present invention can be formed of styrene. In the alternative, the hanger can be molded from polypropylene, preferably H.I. styrene polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, ABS or other suitable thermoplastics and mixtures thereof. For additional reinforcement, K resin can be added to the plastic material.

The present invention has been described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments. Certain alterations and/or modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the instant disclosure, without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. These embodiments are offered as merely illustrative, and not limiting, on the scope of the invention, which is defined solely with reference to the following appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A foldable garment hanger comprising: a hook; a hanger body connected to the hook, the hanger body comprising a first arm section and a second arm section; a means for holding a garment on the hanger; a hinge connecting the first arm section and the second arm section, the first arm section and the second arm section being pivotable with respect to each other through the hinge between a folded configuration of the hanger and an unfolded configuration of the hanger; and a locking member associated with the hanger body and configured to lock the hanger in the unfolded configuration.
 2. The foldable garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the locking member comprises a moveable member capable of moving between a first operative position and a second operative position, wherein: at the first operative position, the moveable member permits pivotal movement between the first arm section and the second arm section through the hinge; and at the second operative position, the moveable member is capable of engaging both the first arm section and the second arm section to lock the first arm section with the second arm section.
 3. The foldable garment hanger of claim 2, further comprising a discontinuity between the first arm section and the second arm section, the discontinuity being laterally opposite the hinge.
 4. The foldable garment hanger of claim 3, wherein the first arm section defines a first channel and the second arm section defines a second channel, and the moveable member is capable of moving within the first channel and the second channel between the first operative position and the second operative position.
 5. The foldable garment hanger of claim 4, wherein the moveable member comprises an elongated body and an expanded terminus at a longitudinal end of the elongated body, the moveable member further comprises a free end opposite to the longitudinal end.
 6. The foldable garment hanger of claim 5, wherein, when the moveable member moves to the first operative position, the free end of the moveable member is disposed within the discontinuity of the hanger, thereby permitting pivotal movement between the first arm section and the second arm section.
 7. The foldable garment hanger of claim 5, wherein, when the moveable member moves to the second operative position, the free end of the locking member enters the first channel or the second channel, thereby locking the first arm section and the second arm section in the unfolded configuration of the hanger.
 8. The foldable garment hanger of claim 5, further comprising a stopper configured to engage the expanded terminus, when the moveable member moves to the first operative position.
 9. The foldable garment hanger of claim 5, further comprising a material band disposed in at least one of the first channel and the second channel, the material band being configured to engage the expanded terminus when the moveable member moves to the second operative position.
 10. The foldable garment hanger of claim 9, wherein the expanded terminus comprises a substantially flat mating surface and the material band comprises a substantially flat complementary mating surface, the mating surface and complementary surface engaging reach other when the moveable member moves to the second operative position.
 11. The foldable garment hanger of claim 9, further comprising a void provided in the hanger body, which void is laterally opposite the material band.
 12. The foldable garment hanger of claim 5, wherein the expanded terminus comprises a first pushing surface and the free end comprises a second pushing surface.
 13. The foldable garment hanger of claim 12, wherein the first pushing surface is curved or sloped, and the foldable garment hanger further comprises an indicator formed on the first pushing surface.
 14. The foldable garment hanger of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of enhancing ribs associated with the hanger body, the plurality of enhancing ribs being configured to engage the moveable member when the hanger is twisted.
 15. The foldable garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the locking member comprises a snap lock associated with one of the first arm section and the second arm section and a socket associated with the other of the first arm section and the second arm section, wherein, when the first arm section and the second arm section are pivoted to the unfolded configuration, the snap lock and the socket engage each other to lock the first arm section and the second arm section in the unfolded configuration.
 16. The foldable garment hanger of claim 15, wherein the snap lock comprises a locking surface and the socket comprises a retaining surface, the locking surface and the retaining surface operatively engaging each other in an anti-separation manner to lock the first arm section and the second arm section in the unfolded configuration.
 17. The foldable garment hanger of claim 1, wherein a first means for holding the garment comprises a first clip connected to a longitudinal terminal end of the first arm section and a second means for holding the garment comprises a second clip connected to a longitudinal terminal end of the second arm section.
 18. The foldable garment hanger of claim 17, wherein the hinge is offset with respect to the center of the length of the hanger body, such that, when the first arm section and the second arm section are pivoted to the folded configuration, the first clip and the second clip do not directly engage each other.
 19. The foldable garment hanger of claim 18, wherein the first arm section comprises a recess configured to at least partially receive the second clip, such that the second arm section is nestable in the first arm section when the hanger is in the folded configuration.
 20. The foldable garment hanger of claim 18, wherein the second arm section comprises a recess configured to at least partially receive the first clip, such that the first arm section is nestable in the second arm section when the hanger is in the folded configuration. 